Surprised by Jake's question, Melissa's eyes opened to look off into the darkness as she considered how to answer. She had nothing planned for the weekend, no reason to even need to go home. But a shiver passed through her as she considered what exactly he had in mind.
"I have nothing planned, Master. Might I know why you asked?" She could hear the shaky fears in her voice as she spoke. His hands continued stroking through her hair, and he made a soft shushing sound that somehow soothed her. Finally he spoke, his voice gentle and smooth.
"I am not finished with you, and I wanted to be sure you did not have anything that would require rescheduling. We wouldn't want anyone sending out search parties for you." She could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke the last words, and she found herself grinning with him.
"That would not happen until Monday, if I didn't show up for work, Master."
His hands moved under her shoulders as he encouraged her to sit up. She sighed, lamenting the end of the tender moment, as he rose to his feet before helping her to hers.
He moved quickly, pulling on his jeans before extinguishing the candles. Propping the door open for light, he quickly gathered the rest of their things into the duffel bag before taking her hand to lead her through the door, leaving only the chair and cooling candles behind.
Her eyes blinked and watered as they adjusted to outside. It was overcast, and late afternoon judging by the light, but still bright after her time in the dark. The wind was cold, immediately tormenting her with a full-body chill. She followed quickly behind him, stepping lightly through the stone path until she reached the softer grass on the edge of the woods. She had assumed he would take her somewhere in his truck, and was surprised when he led her instead to a small forest path.
She watched as goosebumps crawled across his bare back and arms. Looking down at her small hand in his much larger one, she felt an intense happiness wash through her. No matter how confused she was about everything that had happened, and how unsure she was about what was still to come, she had to admit that she was happy to still be here with him - happy that the farewells were not in the immediate future.
As she walked closely behind him on the worn path, she realized the trees were opening just in front of them. Hidden by the proximity of the ancient trees, she hadn't realized they were so close to a house.
Moderate sized and made of a beautiful dark wood, the bungalow somehow combined a rustic feeling with a more modern open feel. It had several low peaks with very slightly inclined roofs covered in dark shingles, which glistened lightly from the almost unending dampness at this time of year.
Light spilled from inside illuminating the open deck that wrapped around the two sides of the house she could see, with a staircase on either side leading down to the grass in the small clearing. Floor to ceiling windows on both sides existed where a normal house would have walls, split only by occasional beams constructed of the same wood as the rest of the dwelling. She found herself in awe of the beautiful design, and almost giddy with the idea of sitting inside those windows nursing a coffee while watching the sun rise or set beyond the trees.
The house was everything she could have dreamed of, and she looked up at the man she assumed was lucky enough to own it. He came to stop in front of it, and she stopped just slightly behind him, close enough to feel his heat spilling into the space between their bodies.
"Welcome to my home. Close your eyes. I have a surprise for you."
She turned her face to his, and smiled as she made a show of closing her eyes. "Your home is beautiful. I'm a little jealous, to be honest."
She squeaked in surprise as he lifted her from her feet, starting to walk towards the side of the house that had been hidden from view. His voice was light and playful as he spoke again. "I'm glad you like it. And you haven't seen the best parts yet. There are several...features I think you'll enjoy. You'll see the first in a moment. As long as you're good and keep your eyes closed."
She laughed at his chiding suggestion that she might peek, but she had no desire to do anything other than comply fully, and she knew he knew it. Playing along, she tucked her face against his chest, happy for the warmth. "I'll be good, I promise, Master."
She heard a whirring sound and wondered what devious torture he had planned now. She found her body responding to the idea that he was going to tease her more, as liquid started to build once more between her legs.
She was surprised, a moment later, as he started to lower her from his arms, and her feet hit the surface of moving water. Hot water. She sighed as he deposited her into a reclining seat, the hot water and jets bringing heat and relaxation to her tired muscles.
"You can open your eyes now. Good surprise?"
He smiled as her soft eyes met his, happy to see the pleasure written on her face. His darkness thrived in the times she succumbed to it, and yet he knew they both needed the moments between as well. The length of time he could keep her in torment would increase, but for now, he needed to ensure she still felt cared for regularly.
"It's a very good surprise, thank you, Master."
"I can just be Jake for a bit, if you'd like. Though I'd prefer if you keep your collar and cuffs on for now, as I intend to use them later."
He saw the heat in her eyes, and was pleased to see so much hunger after her recent orgasms. She was going to require a lot of his energy, but he was more than up for the challenge.
"Thank you...Jake. It feels strange to call you that, and yet, I like the idea that there will be times when things are...normal? It might sound strange."
